This has been made possible through a COPS grant organized by Coatesville Police Chief John “Jack” Laufer on behalf of the department. Laufer applied for the grant last year for funds for a full-time position for three years, with a match from the city of Coatesville.

The request was approved, with the department obtaining the maximum amount of $125,000 to offset benefits, salary, and insurance costs. The grant requires that the department continues employing the full-time officer for an additional year after the grant expires. For that year, the city will have to fund the salary and other costs for the officer.

The assessment of the needs for the COPS grant included a variety of factors, such as crime statistics and average household income. Coatesville Police Department based its application on the need to reduce gun violence through better policing.

“That’s unfortunately what got us qualified,” said Laufer.

Read more about the grant at Daily Local Newshere, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of Coatesville Police Department here.